Thursday, September 3, 2015
On Thursday night, Max International’s 2015 highly anticipated Ignite Convention was underway! Max Executives and staff members welcomed attendees and Associates from around the globe to the splendid Grand America Hotel. Everyone finally had the opportunity to greet their Max colleagues, get acquainted with other guests, and revel in the enthusiasm of the remarkable events ahead.
Because Max realizes that dedication and hard-work are essential to success, each year at Convention we recognize and honor those Associates whose integrity, commitment, and character mirror the mission, vision, and goals central to Max’s and its Associates’ ongoing success. We award and reward excellence with Max’s World-Class Recognition Program. So, what better way to ignite Thursday night at Convention than by celebrating Associates’ achievements with the Awards Gala?
Everyone gathered in the Grand Ballroom, the gala began. Jason Hewlett, the hilariously entertaining host, returned to this year’s Ignite Convention. He took the stage, welcomed all, and introduced Dave Bagley, Max International’s COO. Dave expressed his gratitude and pride for Max Associates and congratulated all Associates who were receiving awards. They earned their awards through the dedication and drive required for success and hard-earned achievements. The winners ignited passion in others and provided the inspiration for attendees to imagine and believe they, too, could achieve great success.
Host Jason Hewlett
After Dave Bagley’s speech, Jason Hewlett gave his introduction for Thursday’s evening of recognition. Once done, announcements for achievements began with a brief synopsis of those Associates who achieved Diamond status and who, on Wednesday evening, September 2, received their Diamond rings and pins and celebrated at the Diamond Dinner. In addition, each new Diamond received a memorable trophy with unparalleled Recognition.
New Diamond Recognition
The following Associates achieved their new Diamond rank:
- Rachel Thomas, Malaysia
- Jose & Sandra Camacho, Puerto Rico
- Dr. Kofi & Nana Ama Nyarko-Pong, Ghana
- Dr. Albert Sedohia, Ghana
- Leao & Irma Moran, El Salvador
- Adolfo Gallego & Maria Del Pilar Pedraza, United States
- Shirley & Sherman Semilla, Philippines
- Marcus Schubert, Australia
- Dr. Bright Kyei Wiredu, Ghana
Then came the new Double Diamond and new Triple Diamond recognition announcements. What an accomplishment to achieve such high ranks. Achieving such high level rankings, these Associates’ skills, dedication, leadership, and acumen are unparalleled. Through them, ambitious Associates realize that persistence, perseverance, and tenacity lead to remarkable success.
Congratulations to the following Associates for their incredible, new achievements:
- Greny & Jhoanna Guadamor, Double Diamond, Philippines
- Dr. David & Jaheli Monterrosa, Double Diamond, El Salvador
- Darlene McGregor and Joseph Grindley, Double Diamond, Canada
New Double Diamonds Jhoanna & Greny Guadamor with Dave Bagley, Max International COO
New Double Diamonds Dr. David & Jaheli Monterrosa with host Jason Hewlett
- Hector Marcano Lopez & Analis Gorritz, Triple Diamond, United States
- HD & Nitz Yco, Triple Diamond, Philippines
New Triple Diamonds Hector Marcano Lopez & Analis Gorritz
New Triple Diamonds HD & Nitz Yco
This year Alex and Claudia Monterrosa reached the outstanding rank of Crown Diamond. Associates viewed a video of Alex’s inspiring, personal journey and road to what he calls ‘freedom’. The highlights of his presentation included his emphasis on how Max has given him the opportunity to have the freedom to do what he wants, when he wants, and the amazing ability to assist those in need. With his success, Alex feeds the elderly and children, having a positive effect on their lives and changing their futures for the better. With compassion, inspiration, and solidarity, Alex stated, “Find your dream and find your ‘why’. Become the miracle for others. Go up the hill, but don’t give up, even though it’s going to be hard! Everything will change if you believe it can. Believe it and go out and help others find their why.”
With that, Steve Scott joined Alex on-stage to Recognize Alex’s and Claudia’s other remarkable achievement: The Million Dollar Circle. Steve expressed his awe, gratitude, and pride for Alex’s amazing work.
New Crown Diamonds Alex and Claudia Monterrosa joined by Max Executives, Max Country Managers, and Crown Diamonds Chris & Tammy Gingras, and George Reninger
Crown Diamonds Chris & Tammy Gingras and George Reninger
New Million Dollar Circle Members Alex and Claudia Moterrosa with Founder Steve Scott and Joe Voyticky, Max International CEO
Then, the Award winner Recognition announcements for those Associates nominated by their peers in specific categories began.
To follow are the Categories, Final Nominees, and Winners (bolded in blue):
Entrepreneur Award – Associate who demonstrates entrepreneurship in their Max business.: Marcus Schubert, Luis Valdez, Fred Mensah, Sherman & Shirley Semilla
Max Award – Associate who has been able to overcome obstacles and become successful. This Associate is an example to other Associates.: Eduardo Oca, Nelson & Tatiana Garcia, Maria Agnes Llego, Marisol & Ernesto Boschetti
Leadership Excellence Award – Associate who leads by example in utilizing the best practices, regardless of their rank: Agneris Mejias, Dr. Kofi Nyarko-Pong, Anne Bushell, Erick Lovitos
Max Gives Back (Humanitarian) Award – Associate who donates time, energy, and money to charitable causes in the community and abroad. Leads by example in giving back.: Steve & Donna Graham, Don & Pat Burdon, Pam Stoutenburg, Chris & Tammy Gingras
Legacy Award – Associate who empowers people to build a legacy of significant change in their life and the lives of others.: Dr. Bright Wiredu, Andrew Annor Apo, Greny & Jhoanna Guadamor, Hd & Nitz Yco
Partnership Award – Associate who displays Leadership company-wide with tenacity and humility. Supports all Max Associates, helping build all teams throughout Max. : Francisco Martinez, Raymond Poirier, Phoebe Wallace, Michael Firth
Vision Award – The Associate Leader who has demonstrated consistency, integrity and commitment to the Max Mission, Vision, and Values!: Dr. Albert Sedohia, Dr. David Monterrosa, Rachel Thomas, George Reninger
Team Builder Award – Associate who builds and promotes their team in a commendable manner — one who focuses on the team, not on themselves.: Anne Turnbull, Jose Bonilla, Eugene Kwapong-Nyarko, Lynette Sims
Founder’s Award: Luis Valdez
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Rising Star Winners with top stars highlighted in blue:
DRS. KELVIN & ANNIE OWUSU
JAY & ZENAIDA CALANOC
LUIS ANTONIO SANTIAGO RODRIGUEZ
BERNADETTE SIMONE
SHANNON CLEARY
DATIN RAHMAH BINTI ARSHAD
ELIZABETH GANDARA
ANDRES ROSALES CARRANZA
ELIEZER GUTIERREZ
DR EMMANUEL KWAKU ASANTE
EUGENE KWAPONG-NYARKO
AKOSUA A MANU
DR NANA KWASI OSAFO OSEI
KOFI & NANA AMA NYARKO-PONG
FLORIFE A TY
LORETTA ONWUGHALU
DR JAMES OBIEZE OSOLU
DAVID & PHOEBE PARKER ALLOTEY
WILLIAMS GYIMAH
PONCIANO L RIVERO
Top Rising Stars Bernadette Simone, Elizabeth Gandara, and Shannon Cleary
A highlight of the evening was the live video feed from winners in Ghana and the Philippines who couldn’t attend in person, but were up very late to be able to participate via Skype.
Dr. Kofi & Nana Ama Nyarko-Pong, Ghana
Dr. Bright Kyei Wiredu, Ghana
The entire evening was memorable. More fun ensued as Jason Hewlitt inspired Associates and Winners to dance to Rock Around The Clock. The Gala Awards were Ignited by the energy of all Associates and Winners, Max Executives, and guests.
Max Country Managers and Executives Hans Schilling, Tekle Menelik, Joey Sarmiento, Peter Foss
The award presentations continued. Bob Kaelin, VP of Sales, took the stage to announce the Humanitarian Award. This award is given to those selfless Max Associates whose true mission is to improve the lives of impoverished people in underdeveloped countries around the world. With much emotion and humility, Bob announced the winners: Don and Pat Burdon. Don and Pat joined Bob on-stage and in their humble, unassuming, kind demeanor described how the Max Opportunity has helped them travel three times to Bolivia. There they dedicated their time, money, and energy to ensuring that the homes and beds of families would be free of debilitating, harmful parasites.
Humanitarian Award Winners Pat and Don Burdon
Peter Foss, Area President of New Zealand, Australia & Latin America, took the stage to announce the winners – Michael Firth and Nicole Regato — of the Partnership Awards. Peter addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of Michael’s and Nicole’s holistic approach to assisting people in building successful businesses. He said it best when he told the audience, “Mike and Nicole are true leaders”.
Diamond Associates Michael Firth & Nicole Rigato with Peter Foss
Two of the most poignant, touching portions of the evening occurred when the Max Awards were announced. Diamond Associate Erick Lovitos (Philippines) took the stage. As he stood there, the jumbo screen lit with a Skype feed of Diamond Associate Maria Agnes Llego. She lay in a hospital bed – with a grand smile on her face. Recently, Maria Agnes learned she has cancer. Yet, still, through perseverance and amazing strength, she gracefully and graciously accepted the Max Award presented by Erick. Many were moved to tears – even as she joked with Dave Bagley.
Diamond Associate Erick Lovitos Presenting Maria Agnes Llegos with the Max Award
Dave Bagley, COO, laughing over Skype with Maria Agnes Llegos
The second Max Award presentation was also moving and emotional. Joined on-stage by Bob Kaelin and Steve Scott, Marisol Boschetti, on behalf of herself and her husband, Ernesto, accepted this exceptional award. Marisol and her husband Ernesto have overcome overwhelming obstacles, illness, and grief, yet have endured and achieved inspiring success. Marisol and Ernesto Boschetti and Maria Agnes Llegos truly inspire others to Ignite their dreams and success, even in the face of adversity.
Marisol Boschetti and Founder Steve Scott
Through exceptional work and perseverance, anyone can achieve the success they desire — one step at a time. Max Associates deserve to be recognized for their achievements during this journey. To all Award Winners and to all Max Associates, with each success, we celebrate and thank you for your dedication.
The 2015 Ignite Awards Gala will forever be remembered. From the New Diamond Rank Achievers and Award Winners to the Max Executives and other attending Associates, everyone felt the pride, passion, compassion, elation, inspiration and more of their peers’ hard work, endurance, dedication, and belief in others and in Max.
The Awards Gala ignited the night, creating the perfect momentum for an unforgettable Convention.